Lebanon Under Attack: A Call for Peace
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AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org, The War and Peace Report. I’m Amy Goodman, with Nermeen Shaikh.
NERMEEN SHAIKH: In Lebanon, over 500,000 people have been displaced by Israel’s bombardment, with at least 72 killed and nearly 400 wounded. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel rejected a proposed 21-day truce. The situation has escalated as Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion, prompting U.N. Secretary-General António Gutteres to plead for peace.
Against this backdrop, Lara Bitar, editor-in-chief of Beirut-based media organization The Public Source, shared harrowing stories of displacement and resilience in Lebanon. She emphasized the deep-rooted trauma caused by recurrent Israeli attacks, highlighting a woman’s memories of past invasions.
Lara also underscored the endurance and restraint demonstrated by Hezbollah amidst escalating tensions. While U.N. Resolutions 1559 and 1701 have been invoked, Lara questioned their efficacy in halting Israel’s aggression.
As the international community grapples with diplomatic standoffs, Lara urged global citizens to exert pressure on Israel through boycotts and divestment, emphasizing the need to make Israeli actions financially unsustainable.
In the face of uncertain peace prospects, Lara cast doubt on the sincerity of U.S. and global efforts to broker a ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need for real action to end the violence.
As protests mount outside the United Nations and world leaders navigate diplomatic hurdles, Lara’s insights shed light on the urgent need for concrete steps towards peace in the region.